The Managing Director of West Coast Partnership Development (WCPD) has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) at an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle.
Shamit Gaiger was awarded her OBE by Princess Anne, having featured in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List.
She was recognised for her services to rail, marking an extensive 20-year career where her achievements have included championing the customer, sustainability, innovation, skills development and diversity across the sector. Appointed as Managing Director of WCPD in June 2022, Shamit also serves as Chair at Campaign for Better Transport.
Her contribution also includes setting up the Sustainable Rail Programme and embedding sustainability outcomes, including social value, in franchising and National Rail Contracts.
Shamit established the first health and wellbeing programme at the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) as well as the innovation programme, working closely with the Department for Transport (DfT) and the supply chain.
She developed the cross industry National Rail Skills Strategy and was a non-executive director at DfT’s passenger service as well as being seconded to the department to lead the negotiations to successfully sign off the Rail Sector deal on behalf of the Government.
In addition, Shamit is the President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport’s (CILT) Railway Study Forum and is a non-executive director of Women in Rail as well as the founder of Senior Women in (or Formerly in) UK rail or Transport (SWiFT).
Speaking after the ceremony, Shamit said: “I am extremely happy and I still can’t believe I have received this honour.”
“To be awarded an OBE at this wonderful ceremony is a memory that I, as well as my family, will treasure forever.”
“I am so grateful to all the amazing people who I have had the pleasure of working with throughout my career and have contributed to me receiving the OBE.”
Photo credit: West Coast Partnership Development
